Sam Bradford vs. Graham Harrell: Heisman at stake on Saturday

NORMAN — On Nov. 9, 1940, Tom Harmon of Michigan collided with George Franck of Minnesota in a battle on unbeatens and Heisman front-runners.

In the end, Franck’s Golden Gophers prevailed, 7-6, though Harmon would go on to win the Heisman Trophy; Franck would finish third in the voting.

OU’s Sam Bradford is looking to make up some ground.Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Since, top-three Heisman finishers have met in November 10 times.

But not once in the last 20 years.

That could change this season.

Saturday, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell will engage in a showdown with major Heisman implications.

Heading into the final two weeks of the regular season, many consider the two quarterbacks locks to be invited to the Heisman presentation in New York next month.

But unlike 1940, the winner of Saturday’s game should emerge as the front-runner, while the loser will probably drop out of contention.

"A lot of people are talking about (the Heisman),” Bradford said. "But if you think about that, you get away from what’s important.

"And that’s this football game.”

Beginning with 1940, those who have led their teams to victory in these November Heisman showdowns haven’t always fared well in the voting.

In fact, the loser has placed higher in the Heisman four times, most recently in 1972 when Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers edged OU running back Greg Pruitt for the trophy, even though the Sooners won the head-to-head meeting, 17-14, and the Big Eight title.

This year, however, the only way to distinguish Harrell, Bradford and Texas quarterback Colt MCoy may be by who leads his team to the Big 12 South title, since all three are having monster seasons statistically.

"If Oklahoma beats Texas Tech and Oklahoma State and wins the Big 12 South Division tiebreaker — and eventually the Big 12 championship — no one will have a better resume than Bradford. He’ll likely have 50-plus touchdowns, and his team will be playing in the national title game.”

— Matt Hayes, The Sporting News

"It’s one thing for Graham Harrell to put up video game numbers for an 8-4 team bound for a second-tier bowl. It’s quite another for him to do it against top-10 teams in a legitimate quest for the national title. I keep waiting for Harrell and Co. to implode under pressure, as in years past, and it’s not happening.”

— Austin Murphy, Sports Illustrated

Compiled by Jake Trotter

Other games that had Heisman implications

Heading into Saturday’s showdown, Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell and OU’s Sam Bradford are two of the front-runnersfor the Heisman.

Only 11 times in college football have top-three Heisman finishers met on the field in November.

Heading into Saturdayâ€™s showdown, Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and OU's Sam Bradford are two of the frontrunners for the Heisman.

Only 11 times in college football history have top three Heisman finishers met on the field in November.